Our solicitor has discovered a a problem with the lease for the property we are purchasing in Thames Ditton. The seller’s lawyers have offered defective title insurance as a workaround. We are content with insurance and will cover the costs. Our lawyer has advised that he must ensure that the bank is happy with this solution. Are we the client or is the bank?
The short answer to your last question is that, notwithstanding the risk of a conflict of interest, you and the lender are the client. Your conveyancing practitioner must comply with the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook specifications. The UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook conditions require your lawyer to disclose issues such as defects with the lease so that the mortgage company can be afforded the opportunity to check with their valuer as to the extent that the value of the property is affected. Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your conveyancing practitioner will have no choice but to discontinue acting for you.
What does my ID and proof of funds have anything to do with my conveyancing in Thames Ditton? Is this really warranted?
Anti-terror and anti-money-laundering regulations require solicitors and licensed conveyancers to check the ID of the potential client they are dealing with before they can accept their conveyancing instruction. The Client Care letter that you are required to sign will no doubt reaffirm this. Your lender will also require certain documents to be viewed. If you refuse to supply ID verification documents, your solicitor can not take you on as a client.
I am about to put an offer on a leasehold apartment in Thames Ditton. The selling agents say that it is standard for flats in Thames Ditton to have less than 75 years left on the lease. I am taking out a mortgage with Accord Mortgages. Will the property be mortgageable given that the lease has Seventy One years unexpired.
Most leasehold conveyancing experts should be able to deal with a lease extension. if you are getting a mortgage then your lender may insist that the lease be extended before competition. Accord Mortgages have specific requirements as set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook in relation to minimum unexpired lease terms. As of 25/3/2026 the requirements read as follows :
How does conveyancing in Thames Ditton differ for new build properties?
Most buyers of new build property in Thames Ditton approach us having been asked by the housebuilder to sign contracts and commit to the purchase even before the property is built. This is because new home sellers in Thames Ditton typically acquire the site, plan the estate and want to get the plots sold off as they are building the properties. Buyers, therefore, will have to exchange contracts without actually seeing the house they are buying. To reduce the chances of losing the property, buyers should instruct property lawyers as soon as the property is reserved and mortgage applications should be submitted quickly. Due to the fact that it could be several months and even years between exchange of contracts and completion, the mortgage offer may need to be extended. It would be wise to use a lawyer who specialises in new build conveyancing especially if they are accustomed to new build conveyancing in Thames Ditton or who has acted in the same development.
I've recently found out that there is a flying freehold element on a house I put an offer in a fortnight ago in what should have been a quick, chain free conveyancing. Thames Ditton is where the house is located. Can you shed any light on this issue?
Flying freeholds in Thames Ditton are unusual but are more likely to exist in relation to terraced houses. Even though you don't necessarily need a conveyancing solicitor in Thames Ditton you would need to get your solicitor to go through the deeds very carefully. Your bank may require your conveyancing solicitor to take out an indemnity policy. Some of the more diligent conveyancing solicitors in Thames Ditton may ascertain that this is not enough and that the deeds be re-written to give you the most up to date legal protection. If so, the next door neighbour also had to sign up to the revised deeds.It is possible that your lender will not accept the situation so the sooner you find out the better. You should also check with your insurance broker as to whether they will insure a flying freehold residence.
Is planning permission necessary to split a house into two flats in Thames Ditton? This has taken place to a property opposite to my house in Thames Ditton and was unaware of it happening until it was finished.
Planning Consent yes. Building Regulations yes.